Religion

[themann_ca]

As always I look forward to your comments.

A prospective client phones and tells you that they would like to try Reflexology for a persistent problem and could you help. They go on to say that they are a devout christian and do not agree with such therapies as acupuncture or "any other eastern thing."

Your answer would be........?

 

[Emewee]

Well they can't be entirely against it to have phoned to ask about having a treatment! Think I'd just make the point that its a therapy that is used by all sorts of people regardless of their race or religion, its not an 'eastern' thing, and if they think it can help then to try it.

 

[glorialopez76]

I don't do reflexology but I've had this kind of thing when people call for hypnotherapy or healing.

I usually just respond by explaining what the therapy is (and what it isn't), answer any questions or concerns they may have, then leave it up to them to decide whether they still want an appointment.
Hope that helps,
With love,
Amber

 

[Egyptian Boss]

Hi,
Their persistant problem might be their attitude - expect stiff, inflexible ankles to start with!
Regarding religion - you could explain that current practitioners are trained to the level of the national occupational standards IE recognised by the UK government which had no religious connotations. You could go on to say that reflexology was originally brought to the UK by an american...but then you might get more problems!

 

[Sooo Happy]

This is a good one!

I think you have to be totally honest here and explain to them what Reflexology means to you, after all it's holistic, treating mind, body and soul. They could have a problem with that one. I'd be worried that they said that they didn't agree with acupuncture as Reflexology works on pressure points linked with organs and systems of the body just as meridians are.

Like Amber Lady says,just expain what it is and how it works and let them decide.

 

[Mikey]

Hi, i would just explane what reflexology is and what it does, i am a christian and i have come up against things from people at my church when they know what i do, but i find people jump to the wrong ider about reflexology and indian head massage just becouse they don't understand it so they make wrong jugements.
as a christian i don't see a problem with holistic treatments but some people think the wrong things just through them not understanding.

 

[Libby]

Mostly I think it's fear of the unknown. They worry it might smack of 'black magic' and be commiting a sin. I'm quite sure once you have explained what it is you do and answer any of their questions everything will be fine.

 

[zkefiuioiixidyejt]

I totally agree with the other comments. If I was in the situation you mention then I'd say that reflexology is non-denominational and open to people of all all walks of life, including those that have a chosen philosophy, religion or lifestyle.

I would wonder why they had inquired about reflexology, as it did originate in the East, though perhaps they wouldn't know that. If they had any further doubtI'd briefly describe what a treatment entailed.....perhaps they would have visions of being pummelled and trodden on by an oriental wearing a tiger skin loincloth??

 

[andrew thompson]

My Vicar's wife used to practice all sorts of Holistic therapies - Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Aromatherapy. Surely to a well-balanced person, it is possible to be a Christian but still believe that your body has it's own energies!

 

[Michael Parr]

Hi all, thank you for your comments, very interesting. I did explain to the client what the treatment would involve, where it originated from and the principles involved, and asked if she was happy with that which she was. The treatment itself was enjoyable and did have some positive results. The reason for the enquiry was a referral from a friend who has benefitted from reflexology. I agree with Azalia in that it is non denominational and I personally would have thought that energy flow within the body was a thing to admire.

(Tiger skin loincloth, why didn't I think of that!?)

Thanks again for your comments.

Best wishes

 

[Tragic]

This is really interesting.

I had a very strange reaction from a girl I know who has a beauty salon, she is only in her 30's and I used to go to get my eyebrows waxed etc.

Well, when I told her I was setting up doing various holistic therapies she came over all funny (at first I thought she maybe didn't want competition, but she doesn't do anything I do anyway)

Then she started on about how it was "the devil's work" and "evil spirits" and that Reiki was part of a cult!!

I was totally gobsmacked. I knew she was RC in religeon but don't think that was anything to do with it. I was really surprised that someone so young could be so ignorant about holistic therapies (esp as more people in the beauty industry are taking up reflexology and reiki etc).

Her reaction was so strong that I haven't been back since which is a shame as I had been going to her for years.

Just goes to show the diversity in feelings that folk have.

Patchouli

 

[sephienie]

Hi,
interesting stuff.... I treat a family who mentioned to their priest(RC) and the Cannon....not sure if thats the correct term....that they were having Reiki/Reflexology....it was met with interest and support....the preist even asked where I was located!

Lisa x

 

[Loretta]

I personally think it is all universal & suits all walks of life with a open mind. but as a pagan if someone came to me as a pagan clientand wanted that pagan healing work etc to be part of the therapies then I would include it as I'm able to do so. I do not hide my pentagram & my clients can see it if they wish to question it or look the symbolism up.

I think if they of that mind set that complementary medicine ispart of a cult or black magic (magic is neutral, its what the practitioner does with it that counts & their own values!) then their own self healing won't occur. It suggests a mind not fully open.

I have got to agree with patchouli though, any business person I do deal with that is strongly religeous does & wouldput me off if they give me their personal views. As a practitioner it would be very easy to lose clients by doing this. You have to stay totally neutral unless invited to discuss your faith and I think even then stay chilled. It's a very personal thing & not wholely appropriate for a therapy situation.

 

[Ceteedumnitte]

I do not think it is religion per se that is the problem but rather the mindset of the individual, as Wildwitchy says it depends on whether that person has an open mind. I do a lot of work for people with mental health problems and I recently had a conversation with a wonderful man in his 70's, he asked me to explain what Reflexology was as he had tried Reiki and Shiatsu and hoped to come and see me next. He never misses Mass and prays every day, he told me that he doesn't want to keep taking the drugs, he believes that natural ways are best.

 

[shahab_phoenix]

There is nothing like the tolorent Christian is there...sometime I wounder how the reliegeon has survived this long. I really feel sorry for people with such narrow minded attitudes.

I a Pagan and except everyone for what they are, but I cant understand the gross intolorence of the Christian reliegeon. Even though I cant spell reliegeon...doh

 

[D-Tes]

Hi all
I find that treating the person holistically fills a gap many seem to have a need for. Combining being a Christian with holistic practices should not cause a problem. If you look at church history you will see astrology and astronomony used in great abundance.

 

[parodoxx]

Hi all

Interesting note though re the client as devout christian, what about the other religions who may phone up re a treatment. Would they phone up or call to see you?

John

 

[aaliyah]

Personally I'm an hermetician and rosicrucian as well as a ceremonial magickian.

I consider myself what could be called a gnostic christian.

For me the experiences I've had out from what I learnt within the hermetic and rosicrucian as well as other magickal teachings have made the greatest impact on my life and helped me become more spiritual, understand the laws of the univese, which helps you get a good life, karma, fortune and so on. The good thing is that these are principles and laws that can be followed, and one will see them come in effect and change your life for the better.

I reccmand the movie "The Secret"